Top 5 Free Agency Destinations For Kevin Love
5. Los Angeles Lakers
Always a player in these types of conversations, the Los Angeles Lakers can’t ever be truly ruled out until a deal has been signed. Los Angeles has been virtually irrelevant for two seasons, but this prestigious franchise is like Michael Myers — no matter how much punishment it takes, it’s never REALLY dead.
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According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Lakers will be one franchise pitching Love on why he should leave Cleveland. If Love decides not to re-sign with the Cavs, it’ll most likely be because he’s over the awkward fit with LeBron James — both on and off the court — and the harsh criticism that comes with it.
Love was a superstar in Minnesota. His time with the Cavs not only brought about his first playoff appearance, but it got him all the way to the NBA Finals…except he was sitting on the bench from Game 4 of the first round on. Cleveland didn’t need him to steamroll through the Eastern Conference. Between that and the constant nitpicking of his role on the team, no one would be surprised if Love felt undervalued.
Bearing that in mind, donning the purple and gold would be a bigger personal ego boost than signing up for Tinder. He’d become the next face of the franchise with Kobe Bryant‘s career coming to a close and his arrival would signal a rebirth for the franchise. With the return of Julius Randle and the arrival of D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance Jr. and Anthony Brown, the Lakers once again have a bright future.
Lakers need to go out for Gasol/ Aldridge and Love now. You can miss on all 3 when you pass up on Okafor.
— Martin Brian Ansah (@DaAnsahonSports) June 26, 2015
However, with so much youth on the roster, even the allure of the bright lights of Hollywood might not be enough to sway Love. The Lakers are still years away from contending as currently constructed, and with Love set to turn 27 before the 2015-16 season begins, his time to compete for championships is now.
Besides, if Love thinks playing alongside LeBron James was challenging, there’s no WAY he’d enjoy the Kobe Bryant experience.
Next: No. 4